Sunday in the Park with George- Tony Awards 2008

[clemenceau16]

To me, this is Sondheim's masterpiece. It truly is a one of a kind masterpiece. No other musical addresses the worth of the artist, the process, and the beauty of art as much as this show. Brilliantly through-composed not just for the sake of imitating opera, but each minute of music sets a mood. There are no cheap gimmicks here. No awkward pauses for pre-paid jokes by writers who don't care. No juke-box songs. THIS is what a musical should be. Full of heart, soul, and art.

[broadwayworld1]

Peters and Patinkin were SO much better.

[HappySSFamilyFarm]

@BroadwaySheetMusic George is just George's grandson.

[jbw612]

@HappySSFamilyFarm no he isn't. George's grandmother is Marie. Marie is Georges Seurat's daughter. so Georges Seurat is George's great grandfather.

[DHansen17]

george needs a beard!

[BOomeek]

@DurwardMatt They're so mechanical... methodical. They might be in some dreary socialistic periodical. So drab, so cold and so controlled... hehe

[DurwardMatt]

Bernadette and Mandy are immortal for these roles...

These guys....have no presence, no passion, no life

[cordeliashoes]

Help me out here--isn't he supposed to say "And the light" and not "and the life"? I could be wrong :)

[sacredlunatic]

@cordeliashoes

no, it's life...the previous lines include catch the light

[phoenixmoon78]

clearly everyone is entitled to their opinion... i just can't understand all of this comparison chat. YES- Bernadette & Mandy were amazing in these roles. And there were amazing replacements during the original broadway run. And the west end revival was stunning. these two were amazing in these roles as well. and i may live in a dream world but - but why can't we appreciate the amazing music in all of its interpretations (thanks you mr. sondheim!) and see the beauty in the differences?

[pudgeuncle]

I am not impressed. Mary Ann Plunkett is the best Dot I have ever seen. She replaced Peters.

[AdamEfimoff]

I think Sondheim deserves his theatre while he might controversial and Hal Prince should both get theatres named after them they changed musical theatre and they deserve their recognition

[marginallymental]

Sondheim is simply too subtle and toothsome a songwriter to be anything other than brilliant. When Stephen Sondheim passes away, we'll have lost the best American theatre composer of the last 50 years.

[BeLoudBeProud]

@marginallymental Do not speak of such horrible things happening <.<

[tosshighdancehard]

Their harmonies are so good, it's making my ears hurt (:

[RosesNightengales]

The girl who is playing Dot. Sounds like Bernadette Peters. Who plays her though?

[daedreemer]

jenna russell

[Scott3843]

This production was breathtaking. It should have won the Best Revival Tony Award instead of South Pacific (which was also good). SITPWG was unforgettable.

[AdamEfimoff]

@Scott3843 Are you kidding South Pacific was perfection

[Scott3843]

@AdamEfimoff Nope. Not kidding. The night I saw South Pacific, energy was down and the show dragged. All of the original cast was still there, but it just seemed like an off-night. Still very enjoyable and lovely to look at and to listen to. Sunday in the Park was a far more entertaining evening for me. To each his own, I guess.

[marginallymental]

@Scott3843, I know, right? The backdrops were splendid, subtle, honoring and lush. And the way they disappear during this throbbing song's final rush brings tears to the eyes. Quietly it underscores this song's message...that this is the end for these two lovers, and for our relationship with them. The accepting tone of which makes me blub every time.

[09YungFly]

some singers can actually unhinge their jaws to give the vocals more room to pass through...ive seen it done...crazy but very unique!!!...and yes i can do it..:>:>

[smichelle65]

this production looks beautiful; I love how the background slowly changes from present day to 100 years earlier.

[KiteRosesWater]

at 2:06 it looks like he's trying to unhinge his jaw to eat her. they sound so nice together, even if he looks kinda on the creepy side.

[futuregirl102]

yeah, i agree

[netsirk6]

Great duet. Too bad this show didn't run for very long.

[gremlin504504]

what are some of the best songs from this show? I've never heard/seen it and i need to know some good ones to get started. I know i'll like it bcuz i love sondheim...

[TenTenPiemaster]

Sunday is a personal fave haha. its like teh title song from this musical but still

[BroadwayVBtime]

Finishing the Hat

[KelliSings]

there's no passion behind the eyes of the woman playing Dot here. nothing can beat the OBC

this george has a great voice though!

[showersinger34]

jenna russel just made the show what it was for me.

she was so real.

[bottlesbottles]

I really wasn't fond of this production. I didn't enjoy them in these roles. I thought they were good, but a little dull and ordinary. Bernadette and Madny felt much more... special. This just isn't interesting.

Now, the production itself was quite stunning. The designers get full credit and honoring the original whil still creating something new.

[mammalzzz]

This should have won the award for Best Revival, hands down. South Pacific is one of the corniest and most annoying musicals I have EVER seen. I was so mad that it won, but I saw it coming. Sunday should have won! Some people may think that Gypsy should have won, but it is so overdone!  It gets revived like every 10 years! it I love Jenna and Daniel so much, and although I love Bernadette, I prefer Jenna in this role, and Daniel is so much better than Mandy, to me at least.

[BellatrixNellieLovet]

I adore him, he's fantastic!!!

[SamTheatre]

What song is this?

[ieatglue44]

Move On

[destinyislandgirl]

I dont think anyone can do these to better than Bernadette Peters and Mandy Patinkin

[phantomnumber20]

yeah...he's no mandy...but they did a good job and the production was amazing! much better than james lapine's (even though his was great this one was...idk...had something more not just cardboard cutouts)

[MNBTM]

yeah ill admit i like mandy better, but sometimes i don't like bernadette better. i feel like i have to be in a certain mood to enjoy bernadette's voice.

but bernadette is also a better actress...

[destinyislandgirl]

Bernadette is the better actress, sometimes I feel the same about her voice, like her performance in Annie get your gun, anoys me, but, in R&H Cinderella, she was great

[MNBTM]

my thoughts exactly

[jplaura02]

I'm on the verge of nausea!

[ilovepattilupone]

why? i think this is absolutely beautiful.

[oprahnoodlemantra]

i'm at least almost on the verge of tears every time I hear this song.

[donaldritchie]

I saw their performance in London, and was blown away. Amazing.

[MushroomLake]

I love this musical, this performace, Jenna Russell, Daniel Evans, Steven Sondheim...

This is like heaven to me!

Ahh!

The revival is amazing, although I love the original too. No one can beat Bernadette Peters.

[ElfoBlanco]

Not what I was expecting for a revival of one of my favorites! She's plain. He's ok but not as good as Patinkin. What about her dress? It looks quite out of place in a story that exposes the life and work of an artist who believed in COLOR above all things!!!

[ieatglue44]

The quality of this recording is very poor. It messes with the colors. I don't think a camera can accurately capture everything that's going on with the colors, anyway.

[ElfoBlanco]

Well... that's a very good point. Still... I don't like it that much. LOL

[ieatglue44]

Hahaha, well, who knows, they might've sewn all the different colors into the fabric to do the same thing George does with his painting. If I had to make a guess, I'd say any smart costume designer for that show (with funds, of course) would do such a thing. :)

[ElfoBlanco]

But that would be GREAT, now you mention it! HAHAHAHAHA :-)

[dramadrama6694]

Completely agree but at the same time if it was intended to be darker and out of place I think it works. Dot is out of place. Her and George though very similar, are very very very different people. Why not accent that with the dress since color is of SUCH importance to the central theme of the show.

LOVE THIS MUSICAL!!

[MNBTM]

i love this performance... but he reminds me of my 9th grade geometry teacher. and it kinda scares me. i still love this though.

[zephanld]

it makes no sense that lighting and scenic BOTH lost for Sunday because Kevin Adams won last year for spring awakening. Adams did something new with the fluorescents and tubes and neon. Sunday was completely new with the complete utilization of projections. Michael Yeargan and Donald Holder are phenomenal designers, but the Sunday revival was more revolutionary than literally copying the original South Pacific. Though South Pacific was designed very well, I liked Sunday better.

[MichaelCrawfordsFan]

This looks very interesting. Is that Bernadette Peters?

[bohemiawelcumsyou]

So fantastic.

Nobody can EVER beat Patinkin and Peters, but this pair did a great job nevertheless.

[Feareous]

Is that Bernadette Peters??

[ElfoBlanco]

NOOOOO!!! Bernadette played the original back in the 80's. I agree with Bohemia... Nobody can beat 'em!

[abydosianchulac2]

Concerning all the comments about "Sunday" being beaten out by "South Pacific" for Best Lighting, hopefully someone might be able to answer a question of mine: can the background be considered as lighting for the Tony's? I know that nowadays most major theatres will have separate designers in charge of projections and lighting, so perhaps the judging producers were unable to consider the projections as reflecting on the lighting design as far as the award is concerned.

[suttonfan123]

The projections for Sunday... was decided to be part of the scenic design by the Tony Committee.

[muscled57]

We saw yesterday's closing performance in NY. What an amazing experience. The two leads almost couldn't finish the last song, cause they were so broken up with tears. It was so touching to see performers who love thier work, and appreciate their material...so much to bring them to tears. It was a phenomenal show and an unforgettable experience.

[barnett92]

I would have died to see the closing performance. With the price of airfare these days, it just didn't happen.

[Fabala13]

this is a beautiful song

[Asylum07MasterMadman]

this production revolutionized what lighting can do on a stage... i wonder what crack the academy was on when it gave SOUTH PACIFIC the tony for Best Lighting, or best revival for that matter

[MJTrujillo08]

I've seen both productions and I agree with you about the lighting, but South Pacific definately deserved to win best revival. It was close but South Pacific was unbelievably amazing. Not saying that Sunday wasn't at all.

[quiksilver2323]

yeah but see...South Pacific is Rodgers and Hammerstein....Sunday is Sondheim...

I think Sunday should've won jsut for that xD

[MJTrujillo08]

Trust me, if it were my choice based on who made each musical sondheim would win hands down by a lot each time with me. Both shows are amazing. The one award that really pissed me off was the one that Daniel should have won but they gave it to Paulo Szot because he's a famous opera singer.

[Asylum07MasterMadman]

South PAcific rly did nothing new, added no new aspect, didn't retool anything set wise, and felt a little stale with the staging. Is South Pacific a good show, yes. Was the revival of South Pacific anything out of the ordinary, not really.

[klickenpod]

I KNOW!

What the hell! This show reels with class and beauty. I love it so much... but South Pacific? Gag me!

[dramadrama6694]

oh preach it! Sundays shows every artists struggle to be original and it hits so close to home for us. and then we have south pacific which is please gag me with a rusty spoon and then shoot me compared to this!!

[klickenpod]

well said.

so sad.

this is my favorite show ever for many a reason, and I sort of choked on my food when I heard about S. Pacific.

[arias2141]

this is one of the most interesting show from this vid. I really want to see it. the background was the best bit. it really feels like a painting[which I'm quite interested lately]

this was a revival right?

[kaleighkayybroadwayy]

yes this is a revival

if you think that this background looks like a painting you should see the actually show.. the set is a white room and it keeps painting itself to look like different places.. its soooo cool!

i really think it should have won best lighting and best revival.. it is an AMAZING show

&& Jenna Russell should have won best actress

[x3MamaRose]

yes its a revival

the original was in the 80's with bernadette peters and mandy patinkin =)

[maroonedeagle]

what's the song?

[Chishannicon]

"Move On."

[couturesixfour]

ok...around 2:10...he had such a dead look on his face while holding that note...but this was a great performance. i just wanted him to match his physical action with the intensity of the sound and dynamic coming out of his mouth! they were wonderful though!

[M229929]

After I saw this on the Tonys i knew i needed to see it. Its so incredible. Planning on going this Sat. before it closes!

[jdnj828]

I did the same thing- I saw it this past Friday. You'll love it!!

[iheartnewyork999]

robbed.

[RandomCupcakes]

*sigh* It's a shame this show's been robbed TWICE.

[dougbarkermrf109]

I know! I hate it! But at least it got the Pulitzer!

[tiernan87]

i played jules/greenberg in our university's production this past february (we had gotten the rights before it was revived). we received EXCELLENT reviews from an ACTF correspondent, who, incidentally, flew in immediately after seeing THIS production. I and the girl who played Dot were nominated for the Irene Ryan Award/Scholarship. We all loved this show, and it has come to be my favorite musical.

[SUNDAYINTHEPARKWITHG]

I played 'Louise' in West End 2006,it was the most amazing thing ever

[nosleepinheaven]

beautiful beautiful performance. Deserved much more acclaim that it got.

[shaxnerd418]

This is so bloody wonderful...

[crazypistachio]

this is kinda amazing

[susanktz]

Great show. Saw it opening week. Our great friend, who was a childhood friend of George (Daniel) from Wales invited us. Great, great show.

[alfieism]

did anyone else notice her jaw spasms in the beginning?

[bumumu]

im really bummed this didnt win best musical revival

[spacemonkey110]

So moving, so amazing

[dramadrama6694]

OMG can i just say that these two are both AMAZING vocal technicians!!!

[wrathofthemedusa]

I love this song its the 1rst time ive heard it...i want 2 c it!!!!!!!!!!11

[jdnj828]

I'm ready to marry Daniel Evans. I'm going to see this on Friday- I might stalk him afterwards.

[gloccaxmora]

This show looks really good. Is it??

[musicislovex0]

it's actually amazing

[bohemiawelcumsyou]

WHY didn't this win? This show is fantastic, one of the most brilliant Sondheim shows and definitely one of the most brilliant shows to ever grace the stage. The new cast is fantastic too, no one can replace Peters and Patinkin, but they're excellent!

[doggys235]

My personal belief is that South Pacific had more hype and critical acclaim.

I was personally rooting for Gypsy, but stopped after this one performance. I was still happy Patti won, though.

[bohemiawelcumsyou]

Gypsy is an excellent show. I love Patti, though she's not my favorite Mama Rose. I think Jenna Russell [Dot in SITPWG] should have won, she's FANTASTIC, but Patti's waited 29 years for a Tony so it's about time.

[superheathurrr]

I didn't notice at first, but Daniel grabs Jenna in a big hug and swings her around at the end. They are way too cute and wonderful.

[donterriobroadway]

i think they hVE THE CORRECT TIME PERIOD HE'S WEARING ADIDAS..... THEY JUST TOOK A DARKER APPROACH TO THE SHOW RATHER THE ORGINAL.... LET'S REMEMBER THIS IS A REVIVAL AND IN MY OPION THE BEST REVIVAL ON BROADWAY TODAY.... I LOVE THE LAST LINE OF THIS SONG SO SWEET AND MEANINGFUL SONDHEIM AT HIS BEST.

[lautanner]

I was so disappointed that the Tonys were a cheap ad for The Little Mermaid this year. And I was so bored by the other shows. This, Sondheim, was the best piece of the evening and how old is it? Timeless, nothing will ever come as close to perfection as this.

[RandomCupcakes]

*sigh* I wish I could see this show again; it was brilliant.

[musicislovex0]

when you can feel the emotion live or on tv, you know that these are amazing performers with fantastic material

[allieree]

Wow, am I ever surprised to see the 2008 Tony's posted already, but grateful to the Postor. I think that South Pacific was the best show to get the Tony, and that Kelli O'Hara was cheated out the Tony by yet another Mama Rose.  While Gypsy and Grease are entertaining musicals, do they have to dominate the Tony's every 3 to 5 years. And whats with showing the also rans like Little Mermaid and Frankenstein?

[outlaw1212]

Sorry, but this is not "yet another gypsy."

Patti is believed to be the best actress to have ever played Mama Rose, and Gypsy has been hailed as the "perfect musical."

Grease hardly dominated, and Gypsy got only what it deserved.

SME

[acidqueen69]

Patti Lupone is a good comedic actress. Not the best singer. I'm sorry, but yelling is not acting.

[rhawkins003]

Love Patti. Love Gypsy. But Patti the best Mama Rose? Nothing beats the original. Ethel Merman set the bar and she set it pretty damn high. Especially considering she didn't have a mic.

[outlaw1212]

Its really a matter of opinion, but even the creative team behind Gypsy though Merman was not only difficult to work with, but also lacked talent in acting, especially sublty. They also note having to write-in all of her dynamics for both her singing and her lines.

Having seen Patti, I can for sure say she's fantastic, certainly setting a new precedent for the part.

[plentze]

i have seen the whole musical on dvd with miss bernadette peters and mister mandy patinkin. a real masterpiece, just like "into the woods" and "sweeney todd".

[FishBreederBoy]

Where did you get the musical of Gypsy with Bernadette peters?

[lavendarluv3]

Does anyone know what was going on with Daniel Evans' shoes??

[SemiColonical]

I wondered that, too! They looked like Chuck Taylors or something!

[superheathurrr]

What? The shoes are part of his costume.

[suttonfan123]

"Move On" takes place in second act, and the second act takes place in the 1980's, not in the 1800's.

[lavendarluv3]

Ohhhhh, thanks :)

[outlaw1212]

It's not that I don't think South Pacific was an excellent show, but it looked and sounded almost exactly the same as it did 50 years ago. I think a revival should add something new to the show. Gypsy recharacterized the part of mama rose and Sunday added the projector, both deserved the win over South Pacific.

They were probably apprehensive about giving it to another Sondheim show.

Eh Theater politics.

SME

[superheathurrr]

^

This is EXACTLY what I've been saying. SP is an excellent show, but it was nothing new, nothing special. Unlike Sunday and yes, Gypsy too.

Wonder why Sondheim wasn't there in person? I have a theory...

[CeDeES]

I SO agree! Sunday in the Park with George is what I consider a "true" revival. That is, it brought something new to the show, whereas South Pacific is just a re-enactment of a beloved classic. But hey, that's just me.

[musicislovex0]

Exactly exactly exactly! if they were judging it on which show was the best, then why even have a revival category!

[Jarrod005]

Should have won best revival.

South Pacific can suck it.

[tyrizzo1]

if anyone has seen the original production like i have, the projector makes it soo much better

[Jentany]

Absolute poetry! Daniel Evans or Lin-Manuel Miranda should have got best actor. Paulo Szot was a big bore.

[musicals7]

AMAZING! Thankyou.

[moviedan82]

Thank you! My TV went out right as this started to air.